Category Archives: Connection

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Household Mercy

“I desire Mercy, not sacrifice…” – Jesus

I am convinced the journey of MERCY is an appropriate answer to the social unrest that we witness in our cities. Lawlessness is not an answer to lawlessness. I would argue for mercy because this journey begins in the hearts of humanity first. The etymology of mercy must begin with original languages. I begin with the Hebrew Old Testament. 

To understand meaning we must first understand the trajectory of a word. Where or to whom is it pointing us toward. I would draw attention to a noun form of mercy (re’hem) and a verbal form of mercy (re’hum). The noun form is used of a mother’s womb suggesting that God’s compassionate unfailing love is upon the formation of life and the gentle care of growth. The verbal form of mercy is “merciful” implying that you and I can be merciful after the order or illustration of God’s unfailing tender love for us. There are 13 occurrences of the verbal form (re’hum) in the Old Testament that shows a trajectory of how we are to follow God’s example. Here is a list of these references: Exodus 34:6; Deuteronomy 4:31; 2 Chronicles 30:9; Nehemiah 9:17, 9:31; Psalm 78:38, 86:15, 103:8, 111:4, 112:4, 145:8; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2. I would strongly suggest that you first write these verses out. Highlight the referencing of “merciful” and/or “compassionate.” Write out the action that is being done and or the action being asked of us to perform. Use your responses as a prayer model between you and God.

Our journey of mercy begins with our heart and then moves to the Home. It is in the context of our home the unfailing love of God is on display. What is the current state of the home? Consider some basic changes of the home since 1970.

  • Homes are bigger and family is smaller
  • Home updating gone wild – we are remodeling everything
  • Entertainment centers everywhere – every room has a television (Computers also)
  • Our home has become a cocoon. Usually the only time you see people is when they cut their lawn
  • Dinner to go – who has time to fix meals and sit with the family.

Add to this list of changes the fact 23% of children live in single parent homes in America. We lead the world in this category as of December 2019 according to Pew Research.[1]

The narrative of racial injustice is stifled if not blocked because of so much strife, struggle, and brokenness within our most important institution – the Family! Let’s be clear about a key biblical truth in Matthew 23:23. The Holy Trinity of Action – Justice, Mercy, and Faithfulness are declared to be the “WEIGHTIER” matters of community behavior. Acting out this trinity keeps us grounded and centered as citizens. When we are not in alignment with God’s words, it is extremely hard to get into an alignment with our world.

If you are going to remodel your home do these – JUSTICE, MERCY, FAITHFULNESS!

Shepherds Advantage provides Servant Leadership that helps people close the gap between where they are and where they want to be. Shepherds Advantage closes that gap by providing Leadership Development, Key Note Speaking, and Executive Coaching. 

[1] https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/12/12/u-s-children-more-likely-than-children-in-other-countries-to-live-with-just-one-parent/ ACCESSED 4 June, 2020.

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The Journey of Mercy

“I desire Mercy, not sacrifice…” – Jesus

I am convinced the journey of MERCY is an appropriate answer to the social unrest that we witness in our cities. Lawlessness is not an answer to lawlessness. I would argue for mercy because this journey begins in the hearts of humanity first. The etymology of mercy must begin with original languages. I begin with the Hebrew Old Testament. 

To understand meaning we must first understand the trajectory of a word. Where or to whom is it pointing us toward. I would draw attention to a noun form of mercy (re’hem) and a verbal form of mercy (re’hum). The noun form is used of a mother’s womb suggesting that God’s compassionate unfailing love is upon the formation of life and the gentle care of growth. The verbal form of mercy is “merciful” implying that you and I can be merciful after the order or illustration of God’s unfailing tender love for us. There are 13 occurrences of the verbal form (re’hum) in the Old Testament that shows a trajectory of how we are to follow God’s example. Here is a list of these references: Exodus 34:6; Deuteronomy 4:31; 2 Chronicles 30:9; Nehemiah 9:17, 9:31; Psalm 78:38, 86:15, 103:8, 111:4, 112:4, 145:8; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2. I would strongly suggest that you first write these verses out. Highlight the referencing of “merciful” and/or “compassionate.” Write out the action that is being done and/or the action being asked of us to perform. Use your responses as a prayer model between you and God.

History has demonstrated lawlessness is never an appropriate solution to lawlessness. It is however a vicious revolving door that leads to no-where. If we are serious about a response to slavery and the injustices that occurred coupled with the injustices of other ethnicities, we must begin with our heart first. Embrace God’s illustration of MERCY first in order to know what our response should be toward others. August 2019 marked the 400th anniversary of enslavement in American history. Progress has been made, yet it feels a thousand miles away from us yet. What if 2020 became a year marked by mercy? It begins in my heart. The next step of the journey of mercy is the HOME!

10 And as Jesus2 reclined at table in the house, behold, many gtax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, h“Why does your teacher eat with gtax collectors and sinners?” 12 But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Go and learn iwhat this means: j ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For kI came not to call the righteous, lbut sinners.” [1]

2 Greek he

g ch. 11:19; See ch. 5:46

h [Luke 15:2]

g [See ver. 10 above]

i ch. 12:7

k [Luke 15:7; John 9:39]

l 1 Tim. 1:15

[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Mt 9:10–13). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

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400 Years & 10 Months

European Colonists Purchased & Enslaved Africans in Jamestown

August 2019 marked 400 years since the beginning of enslavement at Jamestown, Virginia. The Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863, but only after the start of a grisly Civil War and centuries of inhumane treatment of black people. Even after black Americans’ federal legal status was changed, the 15th Amendment wasn’t ratified until 1870 and the civil rights movement didn’t climax until the 1950s and 1960s. Despite real progress through the years, America is at yet another cross-roads or is it circling the same Round-About?[1]

Consider some data points of American thought as of late 2019.[2]

  • Just over 50% of practicing Christians believe the history of slavery continues to impact black Americans today. 72% of black practicing Christians believe this to be true.
  • Two-thirds of Millennial practicing Christians believe the impacts of slavery are still with us today.
  • There is a general belief among practicing Christians that hardships are more prevalent among minorities and they are undeserved.
  • Practicing Christians are more likely to say they have a long-term friendship with someone of a different ethnicity.
  • The majority of practicing Christians believe that forgiveness means repairing relationships.

The million-dollar question remains where do we start? It is sad to see how public discourse has been severely damaged, how that reconciliation is hindered by evil intent, and that lashing out on any level is appropriate. That said we are not left without HOPE! As a believer in Christ Jesus I believe the model of Mercy holds the Key to injustices. That begins with an inward journey of the meaning and experiences of Mercy in our life. From the heart Mercy flows to our Home so that we can see how Mercy functions in our most sacred relationships. Out of the Home, Mercy flows in and through the Church. It is here we join forces together to speak and live out the principles of Mercy as Christ followers before a needy community. This should ultimately equate to a community wide impact that touches our world by means of a compassionate and merciful response to the hurts of others.

I will write further on the Biblical understanding of Mercy in the next article.

[1] Where Do We Go From Here?” Reimagine Group & Barna Research Group (Ventura, CA.  2019) p.6.

[2] Ibid. p.12.

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August 20, 1619

Understand Yesterday To Understand Today

If there is a serious interest in understanding May 26, 2020 George Floyd, you really need to return to August 16, 1619. What happened in 1619? The slave ship San Juan Buatista bound for Veracruz was attacked by another ship named White Lion. The White Lion landed at Jamestown with the very first slaves in the New World. This is where the story begins for Americans.

My personal story began as a young white, naïve Anglo-Saxon Junior High School student who just wanted to play basketball during the Martin Luther King era. To my parents’ credit they never allowed offensive language to be spoken about any ethnic people group in our home. 

Consequently, my best friends were black. We just wanted to play basketball! I was invited to eat an evening meal at their home, and we invited them into our home for a meal. Race or color was never a topic of discussion in either home. Honestly, as young teenage boys we were confused by the riots of that day, and honestly we never really understood what racism and rioting all was about. It was not until I attended Fort Wayne Bible College and prepared my first College level research paper that I chose to write a comparison paper of Dr. King and Nelson Mandela.

As a white Anglo I walk through our neighborhood and never worry about being profiled. I confess that I do not understand being looked at with suspicion in the marketplace. I have never experienced the humiliation of drinking from “colored only” fountains, riding in the back of the bus, or lynching’s. So where are we to begin working through a biblical response. Ezekiel 9, God calls us to lament and grieve over the abominations and injustices in the land. A clear abomination began in 1619 with the first slaves arriving at Jamestown. Ultimately, the story of Civil Rights is not just a black issue – it is a national issue that we should all own.

There are two resources that have been an influence upon my thinking. The first was wrote in 2001, Letters Across The Divide and secondly, The God Impulse: The Power of Mercy In An Unmerciful World – 2018. Also, in 2019 there was a joint research project by the Reimagine Group and Barna Research Group, entitled, Where Do We Go From Here. This research outlines the journey of Mercy and its function in the hearts of individuals moving out to ultimately touch a world. In the coming blog articles, I will write about what I have learned. Believe me, I have so much more to learn on this topic.

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What Is The Church Thinking About?

What are the Attendees Thinking About?

I have been participating in a national survey on the Pulse of the Church during COVID-19. This has been real-time data that is gathered from over 10,000 churches. Without a doubt this has been one of the most interesting studies of real-time thought and corresponding behavior that I have ever studied. The Barna Group, Carey Nieuwhof, and Gloo Technologies have been the primary drivers of this research on the State of the Church 2020.

This past week as I was reviewing the current data sets of information there was something that caught my eye. When churches were asked, “What is the greatest priority for your church this week?” it was interesting to note that preaching a gospel message of hope and encouragement took a back-seat to Hand Sanitizer and Live Streaming Technology. By comparison when church attendees were surveyed, their response was in stark contrast. Over 80% of parents stated they were experiencing feelings of being over-whelmed. Hit the PAUSE BUTTON! Stop for just one minute and allow this information to get into your spirit being. How is it possible that during the same week in America the primary message and need is 180 degrees out from each other?

I simply cannot answer that question. However, I can trust what I know according to scriptures. Jesus Christ did not come to earth as the Son of God – Son of Man to enhance the religious structures of the day. He was a different spiritual leader, with a very different message, touched people in radically different ways, and yes, He over-turned the money changers tables. Jesus invited people to Come and See, Come and Be With Me, Come and Be My Disciples. As the Son of God, He demonstrated the miracle working power as visual proof to a doubting world. As the Son of Man, He wept and ministered to the broken.

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I Am Not Ready To Go To Church

What will post COVID church look like?

STOP!

If you listen carefully to those in your circle of influence, you will hear people discussing, “I am over this quarantine! We are finding out that statement is not interrupted to mean that I am fully ready to re-engage life pre COVID. So, what is the problem?

Before we go full spiritual tactical on people let’s pause for a moment to analyze what has transpired pre-COVID to the present.

  • We have faced a 24/7 news reporting about COVID that has been inconsistent. Millions are going to die versus fewer people will die of COVID versus the annual Flu/pneumonia.
  • We have witnessed a complete economic shutdown. Many people have lost jobs due to companies shutting their doors for good.
  • Churches closed their doors hardly without a single question being asked. Church attendees has experienced multiple online church services and ZOOM technology for small group meetings.
  • Education has been shut down in the traditional sense. Parents have been thrown into a completely new rhythm for the family operations – No job or working at home, No child-care, grocery shopping via “Click Shopping,” Marriage relational stress for those not prepared, etc.
  • Netflix Binging 
  • Mental Health Concerns

Now that our nation is re-opening, the early indication is that churches are experiencing a wide array of hesitation about returning to church. Stop and think about this, we all have been living with error messages that our sensory receptors have been screaming at us – ERROR, ERROR, ERROR! Ten weeks of shut down and quarantined is not normal. Allowing people to work at their pace is KEY. Simply opening doors for business does not mean an immediate return. What do we do?

First of all, recognize that “normal” has shifted. Our social equilibrium is radically off-balance. Time is needed to regain our footing and comfort level for social re-engagement. Let’s be honest, pre-COVID, we all were taking a lot for granted. A wise theology professor once stated to me, Do not doubt in the darkness what God has shown to you in the light! Meaning… 

36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40 NIV.

With tender loving care we will all get through this historical moment.

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What Is In A Cloud?

From a meteorological point of view Clouds are a natural phenomenon to be observed, studied, and analyzed. Clouds contain rain, electrical forces, and are good predictors of what the weather is going to be on any given day. Cloudy days obscure the sunshine which in turn causes our spirit to become downcast. We want to see the sunshine.

What if I told you that cloud(s) from a biblical perspective can actually give clarity? It is does not make any sense to us to believe that something that is obscure and hinders vision could actually give clarity. In the Old and New Testament clouds held a much loftier place. They could often be associated with God’s presence, His power, and even His guidance. The Hebrew noun ʿanan means “cloud, mist, or covering.” It is almost always translated as “cloud” and may derive from an original root, ʿanan, meaning “to cover or to appear.” The verb form of ʿanan means “to have something appear” or “to bring clouds.”[1] This term occurs 147x in the Old Testament alone.

Exodus 19:9 is a key passage to learn how something that appears to obscure our vision and yet it gives vision. “And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Behold I am coming to you in a thick cloud that the people may hear when I speak to you and may also believe you forever’” (ESV). As you continue to read into v.16 you notice the cloud was thick, there was thunder and lightning and loud trumpet blasts. The people reacted with fear at the sight of this mountain, thick cloud, lightning and thunder.  The bible is quite explicit in the details that is reported.

It is important to understand the context of need prior to the cloud experience. This was national Israel that had come out of Egypt and already had witnessed amazing miracles of God. Yet this nation was at a crisis point, they needed guidance. They were no longer slaves. As you read the following chapters to 24:3 Moses reports all that had been given to him by God and the people responded, “…all the words of that the Lord has spoken we will do.” Following their commitment Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy elders went up to the mountain. God continued his instructions.

What is the key take-away: When spiritual leaders prepare to meet with God, new direction will be given and there will be reciprocal obedience. The process between preparation and stepping into the cloud (Ex. 19) and new direction given (Ex.30) is referred to as “Spiritual Authority.” Crisis moments of life require not just a sermon, but new direction!

Shepherds Advantage provides Servant Leadership that helps people close the gap between where they are and where they want to be. Shepherds Advantage closes that gap by providing Leadership Development, Key Note Speaking, and Executive Coaching. 

Shepherdsadvantage@gmail.com

[1] Carpenter, E. E., & Comfort, P. W. (2000). In Holman treasury of key Bible words: 200 Greek and 200 Hebrew words defined and explained (p. 34). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

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COVID-19 Did Not Cause This

There will be healthy and robust discussions about the impacts of Covid-19 for years to come. There are, however, certain things that COVID-19 did not cause. For example, COVID did not cause church attendance to decline in America. From 2000 – 2020 of those individuals who are “Practicing Christians”[1] has dropped by almost half in 2020 (From 45% – 25%). The pandemic is not the culprit. Upon a closer examination of our nations faith trends we can definitely say that Covid-19 did not cause a rise in agnostics and atheism from 11% in 2003 to 21% in 2018.[2] This cross current of belief and conviction is part of the explanation of why the Christian faith is being eroded. What can be said with certainty is the cross currents of belief in our country is directly related to a decline of visible incarnation of Jesus Christ in worshippers and our decline in the study of Scriptures. COVID-19 did not cause this!

So, what has COVID-19 given us? To start with we have been the recipients of a complete pause of our daily/weekly routines. The whole world hit pause and the whole world became digital overnight. At the writing of this article we are nine (9) weeks into our national quarantine and now beginning to open up our businesses and community rhythms. We have had plenty of time to think, reflect, and pray. The initial question that arose early in this quarantine was, “How will I do what I was doing post COVID?” The data points that I have used in the previous paragraph are not new in the church world. The real challenge has been are we going to pay attention to it. So, the real question becomes, “How am I going to change so that I can do what I was doing before COVID-19”? There is a fast difference between these two questions. The first question assumes that in fact we will be able to keep doing what we were doing. The second question is more introspective. It challenges how am I going to change so that I can do what I was doing before the pandemic. The outcome will be drastically different. The sound of the sermons and the urgency of calling to action will be very different post COVID.

The downside to survey data points is that it cannot give us the “HOW” or “WHY” regarding a specific issue. It simply reports what is trending over a period of time. The impact of this data will change from community to community. However, what is inescapable is that Christianity’s impact is slowly deteriorating. YES, there are a number of “bright-lights” nationally that give us great hope. However, at the community level is where the real impact of the gospel is lived out.

1 Chronicles 12:32 has become a global rallying cry; “Of the sons of Issachar, men who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do….” NASB.

Shepherds Advantage provides Servant Leadership that helps people close the gap between where they are and where they want to be. Shepherds Advantage closes that gap by providing Leadership Development, Key Note Speaking, and Executive Coaching. 

Shepherdsadvantage@gmail.com

[1] Practicing Christians identify as Christian, agree strongly that faith is very important in their lives and have attended church within the past month. https://barna.gloo.us/article/signs-of-decline–hope-among-key-metrics-of-faith1?orgId=16976014-8300-11ea-9565-fff0c2ddc1e4&locId=16c4027c-8300-11ea-9565-0f4d91ce547e. ACCESSED 21 May, 2020.

[2] https://www.barna.com/rise-of-atheism/. ACCESSED 21 May, 2020.